Scott
Spark Series
27.5 Full Suspension

Product Description

The Spark series of bikes uses the new 27.5" wheel standard and is suitable for everyday riders as well as for endurance racers. These bikes have more suspension travel than the Scales but are still very weight conscious.

I really like this bike. It is very light, came with XTR everywhere, and the wheelset is very nice. The suspension handles very well. I have ridden Horst suspension and single pivot designs for years. I rode giant maestro suspension for a while and really didn't like it. The Scott single pivot (maybe it's Horst, I can't really tell) works very well on flats, descending, and climbing. The TwinLock is an interesting concept, but I find limited usage where I live (central Texas). I typically put it in "trail" mode and ride. On road, I put it in "climb" mode. On a few big descents, I use "descend" mode. But really, most of the time I don't fiddle with the lever.

Here are my complaints: The steer tube was pre-cut at the factory and was really short. I ended up buying a replacement fork just so I could customize the height. Seems silly to have to buy a replacement fork for a $7000 bike. Next time, I'll do what I usually do, which is buy the frame and build it from scratch. The saddle and grips are lousy so I replaced them. Not a problem with the exception that the TwinLock clamp is integrated into the grip. The clamp doesn't fit the handlebar. I had to shimmy some rubber from an old tube to get the clamp to fit without the syncros grips. Again, seems silly to have to resort to a cludge like this on an expensive bike.

Other than that, I really love this bike. I like it way better than the Giant Anthem 27.5 that I used to ride.

Weaknesses: Those Scbwalbe Rocket Ron tires. Have flatted the tires 4 times in 4 weeks.

Bottom Line:

Love the bike. It rides light, very maneuverable and gives a lot of confidence downhill as well. The bike is a superb climber and the lock system for the suspension works great. Would recommend anyone this bike that is looking for and Enduro bike with good uphill and downhill performance. I've got the 750 2015 version which too me was the best value rating with regards to the components. Plus the red black is to my taste.

The only bad thing I can think of are the tires. For this bike the Schwalbe Rocket Ron are very bad. I've flatted the tires 4 times in 5 rides. I ride mostly forest trails and rocky terrain. In Never had a flat with my previous bike. So when you het this bike. Do insist to het beter tires!

This is for a 2014 Scott Spark 750 (27.5").
About 2 months from purchase, and have given it a good thrashing on the trails & one 40km XC race event. Most impressed with it so far, but can't really vouch for its durability at this early stage.
Love the Twinlock feature combined with Fox CTD suspension front & rear, provides best of 3 worlds at your thumb-tip (really dumbfounded that more bikes around this price range don't come fitted with remotes with the popular Fox CTD. You can have all the fancy suspension design you like, but i reckon a lock-out is the only way to really eliminate bob on the climbs). Feels super fast & nimble when in the CLIMB setting, with the 27.5 wheels soaking up the smaller hits. I find that unless a climb is really lumpy i use this setting, and it climbs like a hardtail (with the benefit of blow-off if you did take a big hit). Still waiting for someone to overtake me on a climb. The platform damping in the trail setting seems to work really well too, good for the lumpy climbs and most trail riding. And the suspension is beautifully plush & responsive in the descend setting. Haven't come across any need for the extra travel of the Genius at this stage.
Only feature i would have really liked is thru axle up front, but can't say its been a problem yet. The next model up (740) has that.
Having come from a 26", i thought i might struggle on tight/twisty/technical stuff. But had no problem adapting, and really only becomes a factor on ridiculous switchback turns. So very happy with the 27.5 transition (no real surprises there).
Only thing i'm dissappointed about is that its now on sale for even less than i paid (which i thought was a bargain at the time).

Strengths: Handles real well, Great acceleration, Quick smooth shifts, Plenty of brakes with a great feel,
This 27.5 bike has a very light and peppy feel overall coming from a 29er HT

Weaknesses: Nothing I have found

Bottom Line:

This Is the least expensive Spark and It just feels right. The bike seems to benefit from a slightly
stiffer suspension set up. It climbs great seated or standing, It changes lines with a sure footed
feeling and in the sugar sand or pine needles or roots and rocks traction is not an Issue.
It came with Nobby Nics and for my 175 pound weight plus pack 30 psi front and rear gives me
a controlled efficient ride.

In my opinion This is the best bike with the best components for the money and is equal to bikes
costing $ 2200 to $2600